Snow conditions 10.12.2020

The danger level is 3 on the European five-level scale - CONSIDERABLE.

Main problem: new snow



Risk assessment

Avalanche danger is currently above about 1100 m CONSIDERABLE, level 3, and in the eastern part of our mountains above about 1400 m. Particularly dangerous are places with wind-drifted snow, where slabs have formed due to strong winds. Even with minor loading of the snowpack, slab avalanches may release; spontaneous sloughing of poorly bonded dry and partially bonded snow from steeper slopes is also expected. Below about 1100 m and in the eastern part of the mountains below about 1400 m, avalanche danger is mostly MODERATE, level 2.



Snow conditions

Since Tuesday, 60 to about 100 cm of snow has fallen in the Julian Alps and the western and central Karawanks, with strengthened southerly winds during snowfall. Elsewhere, new snow amounts range from 20 to about 50 cm. There are many slabs; wind-exposed ridges are quite scoured and icy especially in the mid-mountain range. The snow is dry and soft, sinking deeply; in places it is also compacted by wind. Snowpack height is quite uneven due to wind.



Expected weather development

Today mostly cloudy, with cloud breaks especially in the high mountains, but little sun. Weak southwesterly winds most of the time. Temperatures below freezing. Tomorrow partly clear with occasional increased cloudiness. Weak southwesterly winds. Freezing level around 1000 m. Saturday mostly cloudy and locally foggy, with possible light snowfall, but negligible new snow amounts. Weak winds of variable direction, weak southwesterly higher up. Sunday partly clearing, freezing level rising to about 1200 m. Monday mostly clear. Warmer, drier air will advect into higher elevations, forming a temperature inversion.



Trend in snow conditions

The snowpack will settle and transform only slowly today and in the coming days, so avalanche conditions will change little. No strong winds expected. Avalanche danger will remain CONSIDERABLE, level 3, decreasing gradually to level 2 only in the eastern Karawanks and eastern Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Especially dangerous are wind-slab areas, most numerous on western and northern sides of ridges and saddles, and steep slopes. Spontaneous sloughing can still be expected in these areas, and avalanches can be triggered by minor snowpack loading. Steeper grassy slopes are also dangerous. Mid-mountain ridges are icy in places. With warming early next week, the snowpack will begin to transform and stabilize somewhat faster. Great caution is recommended!



Next issue: Sunday, 13 December 2020



Source: ARSO